When you have three picture books that are at best a “three each” you cannot say much about them beyond the usual what they are about, quick something about the illustrations, and if you liked it or not. But due to the fact March is Women’s History Month, these three are books you want to add to your Girl stories. Each one has delightful illustrations. They are cute, fun, and while familiar, there are modern touches to make them new and fresh.
Bedtime Ballet by Kallie George is a story about a young girl who dances her way to bed. There are rhymes and dancing terms. There is the music of crickets and the sites around her. The story was so-so for me, but the illustrations enjoyable. The details and colors are not overwhelming, but neither are they underwhelming. They accent the text, but also can stand on their own. Shanda McCloskey’s art makes an active event, dancing, event into a calming story for bedtime, or really, anytime. Simple, not exactly a “wowing story”, this book is for all ages. And while aimed at girls (due to the main character) dancers of all genders can enjoy watching the nightly routine/dance our main character does.
Stella Keeps the Sun Up is going to be a bit hit. Clothilde Ewing’s I enjoyed more than I thought. I figured this would be about s bratty kid who does not want to go to bed. However, it is a sweet girl who, along with a best (stuffed) friend keep thinking ways to have the sun stay up allowing the fun to never end. It is not until Stella realizes that if she does not let the sun do its job, her best (human) friend will never wake up as she is now on the other side of the world, with opposite times of days! Lynn Gaines created bubbly, bright and minimal detailed images to keep the story moving throughout the day.
Now, Pineapple Princess by Sabine Hahn. I am sorry but this book was a 1.5 for me. And the point five only comes from the illustrations. Granted, I do not like the fact that our “Princess” thinks it is okay to destroy everything in their wake, but I did like how it was presented. There was no question what you were seeing. The colors are bold, and the details tell the story without text. Though it might be hard trying to figure out what she was doing when carving the pineapple out to make her crown. Even the interesting twist at the end did not save this for me. It is just (as the publisher description says) a “megalomanic in the making.”
